Chiropractor

Ok, first off I probably spelled Chiropractor wrong but hopefully you know what I mean.

Have any of you ever gone to a Chiropractor?  A friend suggested it to me yesterday (she has lupus and swears by it)  It sounds like the craziest thing in the world to me for numerous reasons - first, Nathan is TWO and second, manipulating his joints sounds INSANE!  While I think she is nuts, I thought I'd ask you first before I completely swore her off as a loon!!!! 

Thanks again for all your help......Heather

Hi Heather,

Ok I am not going to make any friends with this but this is only MY opinion.  There are many on this subject and you will see both sides of the argument.  I think they are nuts!  But as you said there are many who swear by it.  I use accupuncture and I know there are many who think  I am nuts (they might be right!).  What I find is that no-one ever says my Chiropractor says I am fixed and I don't need to come any more.  At least physio aims (in most cases) to have you fixed and not needing to come back.  I too am not a fan of manipulating the bones of a still developing child.  Finally it just seems like quackery, why would moving bones stop inflammation or an over active immune system? (Accupuncture doesn't but at least I don't get reminded of the pain with every move I make).  But the only way you are going feel confortable is asking questions from preferably other medical folks to see how they feel about it.

bigted

I know alot of people swear by it ( including my fiance) however I never liked the idea of someone cracking me on PURPOSE! ( my joints do that enough on their own) lol and would always be afarid they might mess me up more. My mom is a nurse in the surgery dept at a hospital and has told me they see alot of people coming in for surgery from what the chiro did. Also my fiance found out the hard way that if you have a back problem in the future insurance will not cover any treatment if you have ever had any Chiro done as they will tell you it could have been injuried there. ( even after 7years!)  I would rather pay the money for a nice massage then a chiro lol.

Emily

PS let us know if you go how it was!

I don't have any particular experience with chiropracters or really an opinion about them either way in general. But, since your son is SO young, it seems a little iffy to let someone manipulate his joints like that. If he was able to talk about how it felt and express himself it something felt weird, it might be a little different. I know that when I'm flared, there are things that really irritate my joints, and I can imagine some of the ways a chiro moving them doing that! Also, that won't cure the problem, which is with his immune system, anyways, so maybe its not worth the risk?

Hey Heather, I am definitely PRO chiropractor for myself! I was very iffy at first but even after my first session I felt more mobile. I always feel more energy and mobility when it is a chiro day. My biggest relief though comes at night. Before the chiro (I've only been going for about a year) I was not sleeping through the night because of pure uncomfortable arthritis pain. Now I can sleep through the night and that leaves me having better mornings. I still relate to good days and bad days but I feel for me the chiropractor has really helped me cope. I see little ones all the time there and I am not sure about that, since I do not have kids, I did not ask about taking them. The key that helped me was asking A LOT of questions and feeling comfortable with the doctor. Luckily in my neighborhood there is a renowned chiro that everyone seems to go to and swear by. He is know not only for his cracking abilities but his christian and healthy living approach. Having him so well known and going to some of his healthy living lectures, (on food, God, stress, etc) eased my nerves. And he explained everything and its purpose and went over my xrays with me before I ever decided to come. I think that is the key; researching and seeing where your comfort level lies. I could have never just picked one out of the phone book and went. I wish I had more to tell you about little ones going but I recommend researching chiros in your neighborhood and interviewing them on their views and approach to kids. If you're not comfortable with any doctor or answers then don't do it! We all have different needs and different things work for us. Find what you are comfortable with for your son! -Amber-

I am PRO Chiropractor but I do not believe that it can cure or even maintain my RA. I go to the Chiropractor for my headaches and for the herniated disc's in my spine as well as the KlippelFeil Syndrom where i have the gentically fused discs and the curvature of my spine.  The relief i receive to the spinal cord under my shoulder blades is NEEDED. there is no one Type of Therapy that works alone, so I utilize several to maintain good back and neck relief. 

After having this disease for 34 years you learn to adapt to different types of therapies and learn what works for you as an individual. 

So anyone can think I am nutz for the Chiropractor, Accupuncture and/or Physio Therapy; I say hats off to you!!

Tess

I think it depends on the experience and methods that are used.  If I did not have a great D.O., I would have been down for the count a couple of decades ago.  I think if the joints are out of wack too long or in a position that can cause harm, discs can be ruptured.  Then, osteo problems come next.

It is important that the Dr. is experienced with techniques that do not cause harm to the joints. Xray at a minimum prior to any manipulation.  Sometimes all it takes is pressing on muscles.  Sometimes, I had to have bones gently put back in place by a gentle lifting technique. They have been training PT pros to do this now.  Thank God.  It's hard to find a D.O. out there that will do it in my state now.

They are right.  It's not a cure but can sure help out with pain. And if treated correctly, help prevent deterioration. I really want to start going there with our preventive care mind set and insurance etc.  I have a big problem with people suffering in general. The very young and persons with a lot of years have a harder time expressing and getting what they need.  Hang in there.  It sounds like you are wise and are doing what you can.